The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Akhtar called back after fight with Asif

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Saturday, Sep 08, 2007
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Akhtar called back after fight with Asif

— Photo: AP

Courting controversy ….Shoaib Akhtar.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been called back from South Africa ahead of the cricket Twenty20 World Championship after he abused and hit fellow paceman Mohammad Asif with a bat, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said on Friday.

“During the initial inquiry (of the tour management) it came up that Akhtar not only hit Asif on the thigh with the bat, but he also used abusive language,” Shafqat Naghmi, the board’s chief operating officer said.

Akhtar was involved in a fight with Asif after a nets session in Johannesburg where the team was practising for the Twenty20 World championship.

Asif suffered a bruised thigh but would be fit before Pakistan’s first game against Scotland on September 12.

Akhtar apologises

Shoaib Akhtar later apologised for hitting Asif. “I am really sorry. I am feeling very bad at the moment. Sometimes you do things in a fit of anger. Once I am back I will discuss the matter with my family and friends and hold a press conference. I will apologise to everyone,” Akhtar told a TV channel.

“Everything happened all of a sudden. I made a mistake but then who does not. I am sorry for what happened but I think I can put the whole thing behind and come back stronger,” Akhtar said.

A PCB official, Naghmi said, “Asif’s thigh is bruised but hopefully he would be fit for the tournament.” The PCB official termed the incident as “unfortunate,” saying that the board would not tolerate indiscipline.

Akhtar has a chequered disciplinary history. Recently he was handed a big fine for leaving a training camp without informing the team management.

Mr. Naghmi said that a decision on Akhtar’s replacement would be made after consultation with the International Cricket Council, which is organising the Twenty20 World Championship. — AP

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